Assessor

CITY OF ROCHESTER, NH; Rochester (NH); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Rochester, NH seeks a qualified individual to support the Assessing Department with high-level administrative duties and fieldwork in a confidential environment. Under supervision of the Chief Assessor, you will manage work plans, maintain records, and assist in preparing valuations.

You will perform field measurements, investigate property changes, update CAMA records, interview owners, and explain assessment results to the public.

Qualifications

• High School diploma or equivalent
• DRA Certified Building Measurer and Lister designation or ability to acquire within probationary period
• Knowledge of modern assessing practices and NH tax laws

Responsibilities

• Performs high-level administrative tasks and field work in a confidential environment to support the department's assessing activities.
• Main function is co-staffing the assessing office and performing high-level administrative duties and field work.
• Conduct field measurements and inspections of buildings using standard assessing methods.
• Research changes to property and update records in the CAMA system.
• Interview property owners, managers, and tenants to obtain income data and support assessments.
• Explain assessment results to the public and assist with inquiries.

Job description

Supervision

Perform work under the direct supervision of the Chief Assessor or designee. Generally, establishes own daily work plan and prioritizes and organizes, in order to complete routine work assignments; new or unusual assignments are brought to the attention of the Chief Assessor.

Job Environment

Work is performed under typical office and field conditions, dealing with regular interruptions from the general public and City employees. Regular field work may be performed with some exposure to weather and the hazards associated with construction sites; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

Operates personal computer and general office equipment, such as a calculator, copier, a telephone and a city vehicle

Makes frequent contact with the general public, employees within the department, property owners, developers, attorneys, real estate professionals and others relative to the city's valuation of property. Contacts require excellent customer service skills; Contacts are by telephone, in person and in writing. All assignments must be completed in a timely and accurate manner and coordinated with other members of the department.

Has access to department property records and related correspondence.

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, could seriously affect the work of other employees and/or board members, could have financial or legal repercussions, and cause adverse public relations concerns for the City.

Essential Functions

Description

Statement of Duties

Performs responsible and varied high-level administrative tasks and field work in a confidential environment in support of the assessing activities of the department; all other related work as required.

Supervision

Perform work under the direct supervision of the Chief Assessor or designee. Generally, establishes own daily work plan and prioritizes and organizes, in order to complete routine work assignments; new or unusual assignments are brought to the attention of the Chief Assessor.

Performs varied, responsible high-level administrative duties requiring the frequent exercise of independent judgment and handling of confidential and/or sensitive information in accordance with standard practices, state and local statutes, regulations and guidelines.

Job Environment

Work is performed under typical office and field conditions, dealing with regular interruptions from the general public and City employees. Regular field work may be performed with some exposure to weather and the hazards associated with construction sites; the noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet in the office, and moderate to loud in the field.

Operates personal computer and general office equipment, such as a calculator, copier, a telephone and a city vehicle

Makes frequent contact with the general public, employees within the department, property owners, developers, attorneys, real estate professionals and others relative to the city's valuation of property. Contacts require excellent customer service skills; Contacts are by telephone, in person and in writing. All assignments must be completed in a timely and accurate manner and coordinated with other members of the department.

Has access to department property records and related correspondence.

Errors in judgment or omissions could result in considerable confusion and delay, could seriously affect the work of other employees and/or board members, could have financial or legal repercussions, and cause adverse public relations concerns for the City.

Essential Functions

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

Main function will be to co-staff the assessing office and perform high-level administrative functions and, when directed by the Chief Assessor, perform assessing functions in the field.

Perform field measurements and inspections of all building types, using establishing assessing methods, principles and techniques, including analysis of physical, functional and economic depreciation.

Conduct investigations to evaluate changes to property, in order to ensure assessment records are maintained, accurate and up to date and to determine the impact to the property value. This involves conducting field inspections, meeting with property owners and researching modifications made to the property. Research includes reviewing planning and zoning board approvals, subdivision and condominium plans and documents and various permits. Adjust and update property records to reflect changes, within the CAMA system. Maintain and manage work files.

Interview property owners, managers and tenants to obtain income and expense data on income producing properties.

Upon certification, review and verify assessing data and interview participants of all sales within the city to validate or invalidate sales for use in the annual equalization process.

Review and process abatement applications and recommend resolutions to the Chief Assessor. Assist Chief Assessor with update and revaluation processes.

Maintain awareness of market trends and NH tax law for use in analysis of property values.

Explains the functions of the assessing department and NH Statutes related to tax law to members of the public.

Assists the general public with inquiries concerning the assessment process, property record cards, tax maps, exemptions/credits, current use, abatements/appeals and tax billing; interprets and explains assessment results to property owners.

Annually attends assessing related educational training to maintain or acquire certification and improve job skills and knowledge.

Performs other similar or related work as required or as the situation dictates.

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

High School diploma or equivalent; special training or a minimum of two years of experience in appraisal and assessment practices desired or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required.

Special Requirements

• Valid motor vehicle operator’s license.
• DRA Certified Building Measurer and Lister designation or the ability to acquire designation within probationary period.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

Knowledge

Working knowledge of modern assessing practices, procedures and equipment; knowledge of real estate appraisal and mass appraisal techniques; knowledge of building construction methods, practices and materials; working knowledge of department rules, procedures and functions; Working knowledge of city government and department software; Understanding of City policies, Charter and ordinances, as well as knowledge of federal, state and local regulations; working knowledge of State laws and regulations governing property assessments, exemption/credits and property taxes; knowledge of business English, spelling and arithmetic.

Ability

Ability to make relatively complex arithmetical computations and tabulations; Ability to follow and understand oral and written instructions; ability to make routine decisions in an independent manner in accordance with established departmental procedures; ability to maintain effective working relationships with the general public, and employees of the City. Ability to use a personal computer to maintain, operate and update assessing CAMA software, and spreadsheet and word processing software's.

Ability to read and interpret tax maps, engineering and construction plans, and deeds. Ability to follow and understand oral and written instructions and make routine decisions, in an independent manner.

Skill

Excellent planning and organizational skills. Excellent employee and public relations skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks. Good judgment and integrity.

Physical and Mental Requirements

Position requires the ability to operate a computer, other standard office equipment, a telephone and a city vehicle. The position requires the ability to stand, walk, sit, talk and listen, stoop, crouch and to reach with hands and arms. Furthermore, the ability to maneuver stairs, ladders, uneven terrain and potentially high or challenging places is required for field inspections.